Photo: Vicks
Few remedies can offer you fast relief from all your sinus congestions, coughs, and cold conditions like a steam inhaler.
They are a quick and inexpensive solution to most of these clogged-airway symptoms. And if you add essential oils to your inhaler, then you get a super aromatherapy device.
The older method was having steaming water in a bowl and with a towel over your head. Yes, it worked back then and it still does, but steam inhalers are more convenient and efficient.
In this steam inhalers review, you get a list of the top offers in the market, plus all the necessary information to help you make the right choice.
In this post:
6 Best Steam Inhalers – Review
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Vicks V1200 (Best Overall) |
| |
 | 2. Mabis 40-741-000 (Best Compact) |
| |
 | 3. MyPurMist Premium Kit (Best Package) |
| |
 | 4. Vicks VIH200 (Modern & Stylish Design) |
| |
 | 5. Veridian 11-525 (Double Mask Package) |
| |
 | 6. Dr. Leonard’s Inhaler (Simplest) |
|
PRODUCT |
|---|
1. Vicks V1200 (Best Overall)
|
2. Mabis 40-741-000 (Best Compact)
|
3. MyPurMist Premium Kit (Best Package)
|
4. Vicks VIH200 (Modern & Stylish Design)
|
5. Veridian 11-525 (Double Mask Package)
|
6. Dr. Leonard’s Inhaler (Simplest)
|
1. Vicks V1200 – Best Overall Steam Inhaler
Photo: Vicks
- Therapy Time: 5 to 15 minutes
- Size: 17.4 x 9.4 x 9.4 inches
- Warranty: 1 year
Vicks is a dedicated brand when it comes to essential oils and although this offer is only for the steam inhaler, you can choose to add a pack of Vicks’ VapoPads to the mix.
The Vicks’ VapoPads refill pads fit perfectly into the slots designed for them in the steam inhaler and offer you the best in aromatherapy that you’ll get from a home steam inhaler.
Regarding the steam inhaler, it comes with a variable control to select how much steam you need at a go. Its face mask is large and flexible, making it able to fit a large variety of faces perfectly.
It’s not the most stylish inhaler, and it comes with just a 1-year warranty, but if you’re looking for the best steam inhaler for sinus relief, then this is probably what you need.
Pros:
- Best overall offer with flexible face mask
- Offers a simple 5 to 15-minute treatment
- Includes a variable steam control for perfect delivery
- Backed by a 1-year warranty
Cons:
- There are no accessories included in the package
- You need to buy the VapoPads separately
2. Mabis 40-741-000 – Best Compact Steam Inhaler
Photo: Mabis
- Therapy Time: 6-9 minutes
- Tank Capacity: 25 ml
- Size: 10 x 9 x 4 inches
- Warranty: 1 year
Portable steam inhalers are important for people on the go. In such a case, this offer from Mabis is the answer to unclog your air-ways on the go.
It features an adjustable steam control and comes with an aromatherapy tank. This enables you to use your choice of essential oils to get the relief that you need.
This steam inhaler measures 10 x 9 x 4 inches, which is compact and easy to carry around. What it lacks though, is some style because it just isn’t stylish enough.
Mabis includes an English and Spanish instruction manual, however, plus you get a 1-year warranty on it. You also get a 5-foot long power cord for your convenience and a measuring cup to top it all off.
Pros:
- Compact steam inhaler, ideal for on the go
- Includes an adjustable steam control system
- Comes with an aromatherapy tank
- Backed by a 1-year manufacturer warranty
Cons:
- It’s made from plastic
- Not very stylishly designed
3. MyPurMist Premium Kit – Best Steam Inhaler Package
Photo: MyPurMist
- Therapy Time: 10-15 minutes
- Size: 14 x 8 x 11 inches
- Warranty: 1 year
If you want it all in one package, and you don’t mind paying the price, then this MyPurMist handheld steam inhaler offer comes with a carrying bag, plenty scent pads, and a hands-free accessory.
Although it’s made using plastic, it’s still one of the best quality steam inhalers that you’ll find. It offers a therapy run time of 10 to 15 minutes and uses its Capillary Force Vaporizer (CFV) technology to make the best steam without boiling water.
You can use this steam inhaler package for any kind of steam therapy that you wish and when the scent pads go out, you can always get new ones.
There is also a cheaper option without the scent pads if that’s what you want. MyPurMist backs up the package with a 1-year warranty.
Pros:
- Premium kit includes MyPurMist’s ScentPad package
- Comes in a compact and mobile package with carrying bag
- Easy-to-use handheld device
- Backed by a 1-year warranty
Cons:
- This premium package is expensive
- It features plastic parts
4. Vicks VIH200 – Modern & Stylish Steam Inhaler
Photo: Vicks
- Therapy Time: 5-15 minutes
- Size: 9 x 5 x 5 inches
- Warranty: 1 year
Vicks really took its time in designing this one, from its slender and tall shape to the stylish and yet flexible face mask that tops it all off.
Also, as one of the best Vicks steam inhalers out there, it accepts up to two Vicks VapoPads at a go, allowing to fine-tune your aromatherapy to your liking.
It provides 5 to 15-minute sessions, shuts off automatically when the water runs out, and comes with easy-to-use adjustable steam control.
This inhaler from Vicks is also backed by a 1-year warranty and I think it’s necessary to point out that its large face mask enables its use in facial steaming therapy.
Pros:
- Very beautifully & stylishly designed
- Produces gentle and soothing steam
- Top-rated steam inhaler made by Vicks
- Accepts up to two VapoPads at a go
- Backed by a 1-year warranty
Cons:
- It’s a full plastic construction
- Vicks includes only one VapoPad pack
5. Veridian 11-525 – Double Mask Steam Inhaler Package
Photo: Veridian Healthcare
- Therapy Time: 6 to 9 minutes
- Size: 5 x 4 x 10 inches
- Warranty: 1 year
Most of the steam inhalers you’ll find in the market come with just one mask and you’ll always need to manage that but this one comes with two masks. This gives you a better choice, making it one of the best personal steam inhalers out there.
Using the small mask, you can focus directly on steam and aromatherapy to free your respiratory system from bronchitis, flu, sinusitis and other allergy symptoms.
With the larger mask, you can focus on steaming the rest of your face to open up the pores, make it more receptive to creams and to give you an overall healthier skin.
It also features an adjustable tube height, particle size steam control, a 6 to 9-minute therapy time, as well as an aromatherapy water tank to either add your salts or essential oils to.
Pros:
- Includes a facial and a beauty mask for convenience
- Features an adjustable steam control
- Offered at a low and attractive price
- Backed by a 1-year manufacturer warranty
- The best steam inhaler for steaming, aromatherapy, & facials
Cons:
- This steam inhaler is not stylish
6. Dr. Leonard’s Inhaler – Simplest Steam Inhaler
Photo: Dr. Leonard’s
- Size: 5.5 x 3 x 4 inches
You could be looking for an alternative to electric steam inhalers and that’s what Dr. Leonard’s offers here. It’s also the cheapest inhaler on this list.
It’s a simple white cup, but it does come with impressive features, which offer advantages to those that need it. First, it’s very lightweight, made from just a white plastic cup and a flexible face mask.
Secondly, it needs no electricity to work. This makes it the best steam inhaler for those who want a compact and easy-to-use inhaler that doesn’t need electric power. Just boil up some hot, steamy water. Pour it in the cup, close the lid, and you’re ready to start your steaming session.
To spice up the deal for you, Dr. Leonard’s adds 0.02 ounce of Eucalyptus oil to the package for free. This should last for up to 15 sessions before you decide which essential oil you want.
Eucalyptus oil has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. It’s therefore helpful in relieving colds, sinus congestions, coughs, asthma, and sore throats.
Pros:
- Simple and easy to use, needs no electricity
- Package includes free eucalyptus oil
- Small and lightweight system
- Offered at the lowest price in this review
Cons:
- You need to boil the water first before filling it
- The session doesn’t last very long
How to Buy the Best Steam Inhaler
Photo: Veridian Healthcare
A steam inhaler is a unique device with special features that set it apart from other devices. It’s necessary for these reasons, that you understand the important features of steam inhalers, so you can keep an eye on them when making a choice.
These important features are as follows.
1. Design
Different manufacturers develop their steam inhalers using slightly different technologies, so they all end up with slightly different steam inhalers.
You need to choose an inhaler with a mask that you’re comfortable with and which is neither too small nor too large for you. It should also be easy enough to clean and keep up.
2. Steam Generation
You need to understand that different steam inhalers offer different steam qualities, and so, you’ll need to keep an eye out for this feature as well.
A steam production with as much pure steam as possible is what you want from the best steam inhaler. The quantity of steam that an inhaler can create at such high quality is important as well. Combine these two qualities, and you can’t miss the right inhaler.
3. Portability
A steam inhaler’s portability depends on you and on how frequent you would like to take it with you when you travel or go to the office.
If you’ll definitely take it with you wherever you go, then look out for a steam inhaler with lots of portability functions, like being small or coming with a nice carrying case, e.t.c.
4. Material
Most of the devices that you’ll find in the market are from plastic, but you’ll also find those that have aluminum bases as well.
As you can guess, those with aluminum parts are more durable than those made entirely of plastic, so they’re what you probably need when durability is a concern.
5. Extra Features / Child Friendliness
You also need to consider any extra features or accessories that might be of interest to you, including ease of use, different settings, and accessories like face care kits and a carrying bag.
Other important accessories include those that make it compatible for kids by including a kid mask, a mouthpiece or a nebulizer function for drug administrations.
6. Price
If you want the very best steam inhaler then you’ll need to go for the medical grade offers, which are the type that’s also used by medical professionals and can easily cost $200. This grade of inhalers produce the best steam and are usually built with the best materials to last as long as possible.
You can also get a cheaper, entry-level steam inhaler for about $30 that will work well, but the question remains how long it will last. For durability, a costlier offer is always the solution, but this depends on how long you plan on carrying out your steam therapy.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are Steam Inhalers safe for kids?
Ans: Steam inhalers are safe for kids under the right conditions and settings. Firstly, you need a properly-sized face mask and secondly, the inhaler’s steam production should have a setting for the specified age group to make it safe.
Q: Should I use boiling water in my steam inhaler?
Ans: Steam inhalers use electricity to heat water up to around its boiling temperature of 212 degrees Fahrenheit or 100 degrees Celsius and to keep it around there, to produce a constant flow of steam. By adding hot water to an inhaler, you will only shorten the time that it needs to heat up the water and produce steam, nothing else.
Q: What are some side effects of using steam inhalers?
Ans: Many beneficial results are attributed to steam inhaling, including alleviation of headaches, stuffy nose, throat irritation, cough, and many more. On the other hand, the danger of scalding remains, especially for children, who don’t use the right settings.
Q: What herbs and essential oils can I use?
Ans: The list of essential oils for aromatherapy is a little long and what you need depends on what you intend achieving. The most popular essential oils for aromatherapy are Peppermint, Pine, Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Lavender, and Tea Tree.
Conclusion
We’ve come to the end of this steam inhalers review, and you’ve seen all the interesting offers out there. You’ve seen stylish inhalers, those for on the go use, as well as premium inhaler packages.
You can go for the best overall pack, which is the Vicks V1200 and its wide range of VapoPads. You’ll still need to buy the different oils though, but if you want a full package, then maybe try out the MyPurMist Kit.